Admission Requirements

Pre-requisite:

• Have a completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, with an overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
  If a student has below a 3.0 GPA, please feel free to apply if you show extreme promise through other achievements. Additional Admissions documents may be requested.

Completed application for admission by the posted deadline, including:

• Online application
• Admissions Essay (current prompt found in application portal)
• Curriculum vitae or Resume
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Portfolio or other examples of work in film and/or digital media. Can be submitted as an uploaded document and/or a website shared.

Admissions Materials can be uploaded in the application or submitted to:
Chatham University
Office of Graduate Admission - Berry Hall
Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
graduate@chatham.edu

Integrated Degree Program

Chatham University undergraduates applying through the Integrated Degree Program (IDP) must complete all requirements outlined on their respective admission or track tab on the IDP Portal Site. All IDP applicants should work closely with their academic advisor to ensure they are meeting all requirements according to their IDP course of study.

International Applicants

International Applicants must submit additional documentation to the Office of Admissions. A list of these documents can be found on the International Admission web page.

Learning Outcomes

1.Media Literacy, Analysis and Context
    a. Students must have a historical understanding of the media they are using and the ideas they are pursuing in their creative work.
    b. Students must be aware of major theories influencing the photography, graphic design, film, video and new media field.
    c. Students must develop original and well-informed responses to theoretical and critical analysis.     
    d. Students must look for interdisciplinary relationships between media arts and other fields of research.

2. Creative Processes
    a. Students must develop and transform original concepts into well-conceptualized projects - demonstrating a competency in project design development.
    b. Students must choose appropriate media for the development of their project and/or idea.
    c. Students must communicate their processes through various stages of development.

3. Technical Fundamentals
    a. Students must have knowledge of the technology they are utilizing for their projects (saving/storing files, various software packages and techniques, hardware, scanning, photo and digital video equipment).
    b. Students must create original projects that draw on their knowledge of the technological form in order to thoroughly investigate relationships between concept development and media used.
    c. Students must properly troubleshoot and solve technical-related problems.

4. Professional Practice
    a. Students must develop projects with an understanding of a diversified audience.
    b. Students must properly document their projects, choosing appropriate forms of media.
    c. Students must have an understanding of relevant journals, festivals, firms, etc. for later distribution or field contribution.
    d. Students must develop field-appropriate professional portfolios and be able to communicate their projects clearly.
    e. Students must develop attitudes of professional responsibility and accountability.
    f. Students must develop professional discipline (time-management, organizational skills).

Curriculum

+MA Degree Requirements

30 credits, including:

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FDT543	The Media Production Industry This course is offered in the final semester of the program and is designed to enhance the ability of graduates to establish themselves in the media production industry.	3
OR
FDT571	e-Merging Media I Maps ways the web can be utilized for the production of alternative narratives. Enables students to analyze and create works online using web-cams, streaming media, and interactive web-based projects. Additional fees: Course Computing fee	3
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FDT550	Media Project I: Digital Video Production Media Project I introduces the production process for digital video and other media work, from concept to production to completed piece. This course provides an understanding of the tools for each step of production and students focus on the technical elements of shooting and editing video.	3
FDT563	Media Contexts I: Media History Provides overview for incoming graduate students of current rhetorical concerns related to independent media, film production, and histories.	3
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FDT641	The Craft of Screenwriting Provides a focus on the art and craft of Screenwriting. Students will read and study contemporary Screenwriting, and will be expected to generate creative work that illustrates a deep understanding of the literary tools available to filmmakers in this genre.	3
OR
FDT671	Emerging Media II: Advanced Web Design Focuses on the technical through advanced study. Students will produce DVD, CD-ROM, and other interactive projects. Additional Fees: Course Computing Fee	3
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FDT650	Media Project II: Advanced Digital Video Production The course expands on the knowledge gained in Media Project I and focuses on the nonlinear editing process. Students develop their existing foundational software knowledge, learn to navigate additional NLE systems used by the industry, and have the opportunity to explore how these programs can enhance traditional editing techniques.	3
FDT663	Media Contexts I: Theory Analyzes the aesthetic conventions, narrative, and formats of new media, as well as the impact digital technologies have had on existing media.	3
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FDT666	Cinematography and Lighting In this course, students will focus on the skills required to make appropriate camera and lighting decisions under a variety of field and studio situations. Students will gain mastery of advanced concepts and principles of camera operation, camera movement, use of lenses, composition and lighting techniques used in digital filmmaking.	3
OR
FDT613	Special Topics Special Topics Class	3
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FDT675	Media Project III: Advanced Sound Production Focuses on advanced sound recording, editing, and mixing technologies using Pro Tools digital audio workstation. Additional Fee(s): Course Computing fee	3
FDT676	Media Project IV: Visual Effects & Animation Modes Extends to visual effects, animation modes and compositing. Students will utilize this course to develop their masters' thesis topic and begin pre-production processes. Additional Fee: Course Computing Fee	3
FDT698	Portfolio The MA Portfolio is the final requirement for the MA degree.The Portfolio project must demonatrate the student's aesthetic, conceptual, and technical skills along with a strong personal artistic voice from the intial concept to the completed 15 minute short film. Additional fee(s): Applied laboratory fee Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: FDT550 Media Project I: Digital Video Production FDT650 Media Project II: Advanced Digital Video Production	3

+MFA

In addition to the 30-credit Master of Arts in Film and Digital Technology, Chatham also offers an MFA (36 credit hours) in Film and Digital Technology. Admittance to the MFA program requires departmental approval and a six-credit thesis project.

FDT699

MFA Thesis The MFA THesis is the final requirement for completion of the MFA degree. Students will demonstrate the aesthetic, conceptual, intellectual, and technical skill in a research based written thesis and a 22-to-32 minute exhibition ready film. The thesis project must demonstrate advanced written and production skills. Additional fee(s): Applied laboratory fee. Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: FDT663 Media Contexts I: Theory FDT698 Portfolio

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